Bottom paint need advice

[Rodster44]

Hi
The more I try to pick a bottom paint the more confusing it gets. Some types need to stay in the water or they lose the ability to work well.
Here is what I have so possibly someone can tell me what product they use. I trailer my boat from Michigan to the Florida keys. It stays in the water for 3 months then I take it back to Michigan. It gets very little use in Michigan and if it does get used in fresh water it does not stay in the water.
Right now the bottom has never been painted. I would like to use something that does not have to be done every year. The barnacles are getting to be a real problem.
Thanks in advance
Rod

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bottom paint need advice

Micron

 

[rwidman]

Re: Bottom paint need advice

Hi
The more I try to pick a bottom paint the more confusing it gets. Some types need to stay in the water or they lose the ability to work well.
Here is what I have so possibly someone can tell me what product they use. I trailer my boat from Michigan to the Florida keys. It stays in the water for 3 months then I take it back to Michigan. It gets very little use in Michigan and if it does get used in fresh water it does not stay in the water.
Right now the bottom has never been painted. I would like to use something that does not have to be done every year. The barnacles are getting to be a real problem.
Thanks in advance
Rod

The paint manufacturers have selection guides on their websites that will help you decide on the best product for your circumstances. They will also provide application instructions. Preparation is by far the hardest part and if you don't do it correctly, the paint job will fail.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Bottom paint need advice

You'll want an ablative. It doesn't have to stay wet to stay effective. I use it on my boat, which is in saltwater year round. I expect to get 1.5 - 2 yrs on my paint. I'd think you'd get a much longer life out of yours. Don't go cheap (you couldn't if you tried, lol), but I don't think you have to go for the most expensive either.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bottom paint need advice

Beefer has it correct. I usually buy the storebrand Ablative paint, to save a few $$. it is made by Pettit or Interlux anyway.

You need to prime your hull for the paint to stick well. No matter how old it is, if you don't prime it, the paint will fall off in chunks. The "no Sand" primer is very good, however, it does not protect against gelcoat blisters. If you are afraid of gelcoat blisters on an older boat, prime the hull with three coats of epoxy barrier coat, before 2 coats of ablative antifouling paaint.

 

[shrew]

Re: Bottom paint need advice

Beefer has it correct. I usually buy the storebrand Ablative paint, to save a few $$. it is made by Pettit or Interlux anyway.

If you are afraid of gelcoat blisters on an older boat, prime the hull with three coats of epoxy barrier coat, before 2 coats of ablative antifouling paaint.

I'll go one step further on this. The boat has never been painted. Barrier Coat it. I would strongly suggest you buy the paint and barrier coat from the same manufacturer, and read the paint instructions for the specific barrier coat they recommend. Follow the instructions exactly. It will cost more up front, but you'll end up with a better job in the long run.

Petit Hydrocoat is waterbased. The clean-up is easier and there is very little prep work needed between coats. If you don't want to kill yourself with sanding this is a good option. Since you're trailering check to make sure it can standup to being trailored first.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bottom paint need advice

Check the copper content on the Hydrocoat. I looked at a water-based bottom paint the other day, and it had half the copper of the oil-based paint of the same price. Florida has warm water and thus faster and heavier marine growth, than the northeast. You will want the greater copper content.

 

[Rodster44]

Re: Bottom paint need advice

Thanks for the info
I ended up getting Interlux Micron CSC. The store said to sand with 80 grit and clean with the Interlux 202. Then give it at least two coats.
Rod

 

[rwidman]

Re: Bottom paint need advice

Thanks for the info
I ended up getting Interlux Micron CSC. The store said to sand with 80 grit and clean with the Interlux 202. Then give it at least two coats.
Rod

Before you sand, wipe the hull down with acetone and lots of clean rags to get any wax off. Even if you never waxed it, they waxed the molds at the factory and wax was left on your gelcoat.